FILM ON MESKHETIAN TURKS CONTAINS ANTI-ARMENIANS ELEMENTS

AKHALKALAK, JANUARY 22, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Georgian
film director Toma Chagerishvili’s documentary on Meskhetian Turks,
the presentation of which took place on January 18 in Akhaltskha,
expresses anti-Armenian and anti-Russian moods. This was informed by
the A-Info agency. The film allegedly represents Samtskhe-Javakhk’s
history from the beginning of the century up to our days and
Meskhetian Turks are presented as pure-blooded Georgians. The film
author qualified Russians as usurpers and Armenians as 5th column
supporting the usurpers. The film contains an episode on events of
1918 where Georgian General-Governor Maghrakelidze and Turk Omar Bek
Server (he is presented in the film as a Georgian) argue. Omar Bek
blames Maghrakelidze for supporting Armenians. He planned to slaughter
Armenians and a fratricidal war between the so-called Mohammedan and
Christian Georgians broke out due to Maghrakelidze’s resistance. The
film presents no episodes on self-defence of Armenians of Akhaltskha
in 1918. During the discussion held after the presentation ceremony,
former Georgian State Minister on Settlement of Conflicts, Georgy
Khaindrava positively estimated the film and considered necessary
Meskhetians’ resettlement in the region, especially in the settlements
where they have never lived (Akhalkalak and Nonotsminda regions are
meant here). Many historians, lecturers, representatives of NGOs,
Georgian clergymen also took part in the discussion. According to
A-Info, anti-Armenian atmosphere also on the whole prevailed during
the discussion.